30 Natural Remedies to Cure Pain & Heal a Sunburn

Whether it’s a day at the beach or spending time getting a tan, being out in the sun is always a good time. However, as we all know, sometimes we can get a little carried away, and when that happens, we wind up with a nasty sunburn. However, even though this happens quite often, do you know how to relieve the pain and help your skin heal faster? If the only thing you can think of is “aloe vera,” then you are missing out on a world of relief.

Fortunately, we have compiled a complete list of natural remedies that can both make you feel better and ensure that your burn doesn’t last too long.

Curing Pain

The first thing you should do after getting sunburned is to relieve the pain. Healing will take time no matter what method you try, so it’s more important to make your skin feel better as soon as possible so that you don’t have to suffer.

Cornstarch/Baking Soda

Both of these products have similar effects, so feel free to use them interchangeably. Simply mix some of the material with cool (not cold) water and then apply it to the skin with some gauze. It will soothe the burn quickly.

Witch Hazel

This plant contains tannins that can help soothe and heal your sunburn. You can most likely find it in liquid form, so soak it into cotton balls and dab it on the skin. Try not to dilute it with water as it will sap the potency.

Mint Tea

This treatment requires a bit of preparation, but it can be worth it. First, you have to have mint leaves and tea bags (green tea works best). Boil water and then soak them in it for about an hour. Once it’s cooled off, apply the liquid with cotton balls or pour it over the burn.

Yogurt

As long as it’s not flavored, plain yogurt can do wonders for a burn. The enzymes and probiotics will work on your skin and make it feel a lot better. Just apply and let it seep in.

Healing a Sunburn

While pain relief is necessary, you will still want to do things to mitigate the damage to your skin. Considering that sunburns increase your risk of skin cancer, it’s crucial that you heal as quickly as possible.

Potato Paste

Making this simple and effective mixture will not only help your skin feel better but will minimize the damage. All you have to do is either slice or shred some potatoes and place the pulp against the burn. For best results, however, you should blend shredded pieces into a paste and rub it onto your skin.

Milk Compress

You probably already have milk in your fridge, which makes this treatment even more convenient. All you have to do is soak a paper towel in milk and apply it to the burn. The cold liquid will soothe the heat, and the milk will add protein to the skin for healing.

Water

This may sound a bit too obvious, but the fact is that your burned skin is drastically dehydrated, so drinking extra fluids will help it repair itself faster.

Aloe Vera

If you can get the plant directly, then it will be much more potent, but aloe gel works well too. Simply apply to the affected area and wait for it to absorb. If you do have the plant, then cut the leaves down the middle (not all the way) and put them on the skin so that the sap is touching.

Apple Cider Vinegar

This may or may not work for you, so try using just a little bit at first to see if it does anything. If so, then fill a spray bottle and mist your burn. For better results, do this after a cold shower.

Oatmeal

This treatment may seem a bit odd, but it works for a lot of people. You will want to take a bath with some rolled oats (unprocessed is best) so that the polysaccharides can heal your skin. First, fill a sock with the oats, then get into a tepid or semi-cool bath. Let the oats soak for a few minutes, then squeeze them into the water. Sit in the mixture for about twenty minutes and then dry yourself off gently with a towel.

Cucumber

You will apply this the same way as you did the potatoes; either in slices or as a paste. If sliced, be sure to flip them after a few minutes to keep your skin cooler.

Cold Compress

Milk is better than water, but if you don’t have it around then simply soak a towel in cool water and apply it to the burn, changing it every 10-15 minutes or so.

Coconut Oil

The fats and proteins in this oil will help heal your fried skin. Simply apply topically and let it absorb into your burn.

Tomatoes

In this case, you will want the juice more than anything. For best results, mix it with yogurt and then apply it directly to the skin for about 15-20 minutes. Do this several times a day to heal even faster.

Papaya/Honey/Oats

Each of these foods has properties that can help treat a burn. Mash each ingredient individually (grind the oats into a powder) and then mix together and apply it to the burn. Leave it for half an hour.

Homemade Burn Cream

In this case, you will be mixing a variety of things we’ve already covered. Witch hazel, aloe, baking soda, mint leaves and water is all you need. Put the water, witch hazel, and aloe together and let sit for a couple of hours. Then mix the baking soda until you get a nice paste. Add mint leaves as needed to get a good blend, then refrigerate and use as needed.

Lavender Oil

Most essential oils can help heal a burn; all you have to do is place a few drops on a damp washcloth and gently rub it into the skin. As a bonus, you’ll smell great, too.

Marshmallow Root

You will most likely have to go to an herbalist to get this, but it can be quite useful. You will want to boil the root (or dried powder) for about ten minutes. Let it cool off and apply to the burn with some gauze.

Shaving Cream

Like vinegar, this is based on anecdotal evidence rather than science. Still, it can’t hurt to try it. Rub some on the affected area and see how you feel. If it works, apply more.

Vitamins C and E

This is technically preventative maintenance, but getting enough of these essential vitamins will help your skin stay healthier in the sun.

Honey

You can either put it in our mixture above or use it by itself. It has antimicrobial properties that can stave off infection while also adding moisture to the skin.

Bath Oils and Moisturizer

Using all-natural bath oils with vitamin E or C can prep the skin, and moisturizer will keep it in and heal the burn. Make sure the bath oil is first, though.

Ice Pack

If you are going to put ice on a burn, wrap it in a towel first. Direct contact will do more damage, but having that buffer will help, and once the ice melts you have a cold compress left over.

Lettuce

Remarkably, iceberg can help heal your burn. You have to boil it first and then let the water chill for a couple of hours, but it works well.

No Peeling!

Whatever you do, don’t peel the skin. This will make things worse and expose raw skin to the air.

Eat Water-Rich Foods

Hydration can be done through liquids and eating, so stock up on fruits and veggies that have a lot of water content.

Conclusion

Overall, the best way to heal a sunburn is to avoid it in the first place. If you are going to be outside for more than twenty minutes, use sunscreen. Also, wear thick enough clothing that won’t let UV rays through, and be smart about your exposure. Get burned once; it’s a shame on the sun. Get burned twice, and it’s a shame on you.